Journalism in India with Projects Abroad

  India

Sivakasi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: All Year Round (you set the start and end date)

Description: Experience the thrills of being an internationally published journalist in exotic India!

Set up in 2002 by Projects Abroad, "The Sivakasi Times" is the first-ever English language newspaper or magazine produced in the area. It is sent free to schools and institutions, and is available on the street. Additionally, the journalism placement is conveniently located in the capital of India 's printing industry, Sivakasi!

The magazine is run by volunteers with our Indian team. The supervisors have a wealth of experience working as journalists across Southern India. This means that those who have no previous knowledge of the industry can become involved in the entire process including writing, researching, editing, photography layouts and handling the final printing stage. On the other hand, volunteers who come in with skills can bring their specialized knowledge and assistance to the paper and even act as mentors for the less experienced.

Each issue of the magazine has its own theme. Recently, this has ranged from the problems of water-supply and environmental controversies to women's issues and sports. Volunteers are involved from the first meetings about what will be included in the month's issue to helping distribute finished copies of the paper to locals. The magazine gives volunteers a real opportunity to get involved, whether by interviewing politicians or finding out local opinions on the latest cricket match. You may have to travel to meet a local farmer who is upset by a government decision or sit on the editorial board deciding what to include this month. Everyday is a different journey in this diverse country.

Highlights: India is a truly amazing place - spectacular scenery, quaint villages, fascinating and magnificent temples, sandy beaches and lots of sun. It has all this and an ancient culture. For the vast majority of visitors, it is a place they long to return to again and again.

All accommodation is organized, paid for, and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in India.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: from US$2,195 up

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992